It’s no secret that our careers can be a huge source of stress in our lives. But what if your career is the root of much of that stress? It’s not always easy to see the connection, but certain signs can help you determine whether your career negatively impacts your life. You may want to consider if you’re feeling particularly stressed or if you’ve been noticing any of the following signs.
1. You’re constantly exhausted
One of the most common signs that your career is harming your life is if you’re constantly exhausted. This can be mental or physical exhaustion, but either way, it’s not healthy.
If you find that you’re always tired, even after a full night’s sleep, it may be because you’re not doing work that you’re passionate about. Or, it could be that you’re working too much and not giving yourself enough time to relax. This exhaustion can lead to other problems, such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and even depression.
Some people develop mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, from the stress of their jobs. If your job is causing you to feel anxious or depressed, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
2. You feel physical pain
Another sign that your career is hurting your life is if you’re starting to feel physical pain. This could be anything from headaches and neck pain to migraines and back pain.
If you find that you’re starting to experience physical pain, you should take a step back and consider whether or not your job is the cause. You may be sitting at a desk all day or performing the same motions repeatedly, leading to physical pain. If this is the case, you may need to make changes, such as taking breaks more often or changing your workstation.
If the workplace is not the optimal environment for your physical condition, you might want to speak with an expert workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your options and whether or not you have a case.
3. You’re unhappy outside of work
Do you find that you’re only happy when you’re at work? Or, on the flip side, are you so unhappy at work that you can’t enjoy your life outside of it? Many people find that their career harms their life when they’re unhappy outside of work.
This is often because they’re not doing work that they enjoy or working too much. Sometimes, it’s a combination of both. Others even find that they’re so unhappy at work that it’s spilling over into their personal lives, leading to arguments with loved ones and a general feeling of unhappiness.
Always being unhappy is not a sustainable way to live. If you’re unhappy both at work and outside of work, it may be time to reconsider your career.
4. You’re neglecting your health
When you’re stressed, your health is often the first thing to suffer. You no longer have time to exercise, eat unhealthy foods, and get enough sleep. This can lead to many health problems, both physical and mental.
If you find that you’re neglecting your health, it’s a sign that your career is hurting your life. Your career should not be the reason that you’re neglecting your health. Instead, it would be best if you were taking care of yourself to be healthy and productive at work.
Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about the state of your health and how it’s being affected by your career. They may be able to provide you with some tips or resources that can help you get back on track.
5. You’re not spending time with loved ones
When you’re always working, finding time for the people you love can be challenging. You may start to feel like you’re neglecting your relationships, leading to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and even loneliness.
Your job may be necessary, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your relationships. If you’re not spending enough time with your family, a quick chat with your boss may be in order. Let them know that you value your family time and see if there’s any way you can adjust your schedule.
If you’re still unable to find time for your loved ones, it may be time to reconsider your career. Your job should not be the only thing in your life. There should be a balance between work and the rest of your life.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, your career may be negatively impacting your life. If this is the case, you may need to make some changes. Whether that means finding a new job or simply making some adjustments to your current one, it’s essential to take action to improve your overall well-being.
